New Open-Source Tool Reclaims Up to 30GB on MacBooks
A new open-source utility called RemoveMacAI allows MacBook users to reclaim up to 30GB of storage by disabling and blocking Apple Intelligence models.
MacBook users running low on internal storage can now reclaim at least 12 gigabytes of disk space by disabling Apple Intelligence using a new open-source utility.
The Open-Source Solution
A new command-line utility named RemoveMacAI has gained significant popularity among macOS users. The tool is designed to completely purge the large AI model files that Apple stores locally on user machines to power its on-device artificial intelligence features.
While previous versions of macOS allowed users to simply toggle off these features and remove the associated data, newer operating system iterations have removed this direct control. Even if users manually delete the model files, Apple automatically downloads them again in the background.
How RemoveMacAI Operates
Executed via the Terminal application, the utility applies a specific configuration profile that disables background system services responsible for maintaining the AI models. It also redirects download requests to a closed local port, effectively preventing the operating system from re-downloading the large packages.
"The tool frees up storage ranging from 12GB to over 30GB depending on the system configuration, while keeping essential dictation services operational."
Users who implement this workaround will lose access to integrated artificial intelligence capabilities, including advanced Siri functionalities, native writing tools, image editing features, and intelligent code completions in Xcode. The developer notes that the process is fully reversible for those who decide to restore the default system settings.